Monson Drug Free Community Project - Project Abstract The Monson Substance Use Community Partnership (community coalition) and the Monson Public Schools (fiscal agent) are partnering to further strengthen local capacity for prevention and to reduce teen substance use in the town of Monson, Massachusetts. Monson is in Hampden County in the western part of the state, about 80 miles west of Boston and 150 miles northeast of New York City. Monson is a small, rural town with a population of 8,098. In June 2011, one of the strongest and longest tornadoes to ever touch down in Massachusetts hit Monson and neighboring towns. Widespread damage occurred as the tornado moved directly through the center of town. Significant damage was done to commercial and residential buildings. The roof of Monson High School was destroyed. Forested parts of town experienced nearly complete deforestation. After the tornado, police had to work in trailers and town officials moved to an elementary school. Almost four years later, a new Town Hall and Police Department complex were dedicated and operational. Demographically, Monson’s overall population is 95% White; less than 1% African-American; less than 2% Asian; 3% Latino; 0% Native American; and 0% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Almost 2% of residents are two or more races. Regarding gender, 50% is female and 50% is male; with respect to age, 17% is under the age of 18; 23% is over the age of 65. There are over 3,400 households; many of which are single family homes. The median annual income is $72,305 and 12% of the population is living below the poverty level. The Monson Public Schools are comprised of three schools: the Early Childhood Center/Quarry Hill Community School (grades Pre-K to Kindergarten); Granite Valley School (grades 1-6); and Monson High School (grades 7-12). The total student body for all 3 schools combined is just over 800 students; 18% of students are special needs. While 86% of students are white, families represent an increasing number of different backgrounds and more diverse cultures. More than 4% of 8th, 10th and 12th graders indicated that they are transgender, non-binary, or other gender non-conforming. The student population is more diverse than the town-wide population – 1% of students are African-American, 1% Asian, and 9% Latino/Hispanic. Like many small, rural towns, we struggle to fully support all youth to achieve full academic success and optimal physical and mental wellness. Our youth survey data points to a relaxation in students’ and parents’ perceptions of the negative health and social consequences of substance use. The project outcomes we aim to achieve are reductions in teen use of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana while concurrently increasing levels of peer and parental disapproval of use, and increased teen perceptions that such use is harmful. These perceptions contribute to risk of teen substance use and community norms that accept such use. Massachusetts legalized commercial marijuana in 2016; retail stores have opened in neighboring towns and billboards on major highways advertise cannabis stores. Statewide policies that began with the COVID-19 pandemic continue to allow for home delivery of alcohol and “to go” cocktails. The Monson Substance Use Community Partnership intends to address worrisome rates of youth nicotine addiction and marijuana use via vaping devices. Unmet youth mental health needs are prevalent and may be an underlying cause of substance use. We also remain concerned about opioid use, bordering a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). The Monson Substance Use Community Partnership has collaborated with nearby current and former Drug Free Communities-funded projects. Our concerns about youth alcohol, marijuana and nicotine use and the serious, detrimental impact on adolescents, families and quality of life in Monson and our hopeful commitment to making positive local change has prompted us to submit our own proposal for 2023 DFC funding.
